December 2024 FCI Connect

Celebrate!

Susie Miller Carello
FCI Executive Director

There are so many reasons to celebrate this holiday season! It’s hard to believe that this marks the first full year of FCI spreading tidings of joy and highlighting all the incredible things happening across Florida’s charter school sector.

First on our list of celebrations is the opportunity to support the amazing charter schools across the state. FCI Support is proud to be the home of what was once the Charter Support Unit. In addition to the many resources available on our website, FCI Support offers webinars, podcasts, courses, and personalized training and coaching for boards and school leaders.

This year, we were especially excited to work with over 80 governing boards, assisting them with everything from quick issues to in-depth, ongoing coaching. We’ve heard from so many of you about your search for good governance practices, and we’ve responded by providing a treasure trove of tools on our website. Beyond that, the mighty FCI Support Team dedicated hundreds of hours working with schools and boards, striving to make them better for the students they serve.

A highlight of the year was the governance conference held last fall at South Tech Academy in Boynton Beach, FL. This event brought us together, both in person and online, to focus on best governance practices. It also served as a powerful reminder of why we do this work: It’s all about the students! Additionally, FCI had the privilege of sharing best practices from Florida and beyond at the Florida Charter Schools Conference, the NAPCS Conference, and the NACSA Conference. We also celebrated Florida’s elementary reading success, showcased in a national report by the American Enterprise Institute: Grading Florida’s Schools: A+ for Achievement and Return on Investment.

Professional learning was another big win this year. We hosted nearly 400 teachers and school leaders at Miami Dade College for workshops and training sessions with national partners, including Teach Like A Champion and Leverage Leadership. Our inaugural class of FCI Fellows set a high bar for instructional leadership, focusing squarely on student success. Altogether, over 68 hours of professional learning took place this year—and there’s so much more to come!

Finally, we reviewed 16 applications for the first year of the Charter Schools Commission and developed the comprehensive LEA Manual, a guide filled with essential requirements and practical tips for becoming your own LEA.

See? So much to celebrate! As we wrap up this incredible year, we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season. At FCI, we celebrate the amazing gifts you bring to Florida’s children all year long. Thank you for giving us the gift of partnership, and here’s to another year of success and collaboration!

 

Featured Articles

2024 Florida Charter School Conference and School Choice Summit

The Charter Support Unit is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education and the planners of the Florida Charter School Conference to bring you recorded sessions from the 2024 Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit. These sessions were recorded live at the conference, therefore the audio is not always the best quality. We’ve attempted to edit...

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FCI Team Member Highlight: Dr. Christy Noe

Introducing the FCI Team: Embracing Change and Leading with Purpose Change is a constant in education, and it is how we navigate it that defines our impact. At the Florida Charter Institute (FCI), merging with the Charter Support Unit (CSU) isn’t just about combining organizations—it’s about uniting our strengths, experiences, and visions to build something even greater. Three Questions for...

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Governance Resource Highlight: Year in Review

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the Florida Charter Institute proudly hosted the fourth annual Governance Conference for Charter Schools in Florida. This year’s hybrid event, offering both in-person and virtual participation, was held at South Tech Academy in Boynton Beach, Florida, and saw remarkable growth in interest and attendance.With a 60% increase in registration compared to last year, the conference...

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Exceptional Education Highlight: Spring 2025 FCI Special Education Leaders Meeting: Building on Success

Exciting News for School Leaders in Special Education!Following the success of our inaugural FCI Special Education School Leaders Meeting last September, we are thrilled to announce a second gathering this spring! This event is a unique opportunity for school leaders to come together, exchange insights, and address the distinct challenges in special education.During our previous meeting, participants highlighted the immense...

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Instructional Coaching – Effective Practice

Over the past few weeks, we’ve written a series of posts on enhancing instructional leadership practice, including maximizing observation time at the beginning of the year and once classroom foundations have been established.  However, determining an impactful action step is only the first step in instructional coaching – and, on its own, does very little to change teacher practice. What...

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A Day of Connection and Learning: FCI Classical Schools Leadership Forum

On December 5th, 2024, leaders from the classical education community came together for something truly special—a day of shared insights, meaningful conversations, and the power of connection. The Classical Schools Leadership Forum, hosted by the incredible team at True North Classical Academy in Miami, FL, wasn’t just an event; it was an experience that reminded us all why we do...

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Additional Resources

Webinars

  • Nov 12
    November 12, 2024 1:00 pm
    Enrollment Marketing Playbook

    Enrollment is the lifeline of public charter schools, especially for those aiming to grow in competitive markets. Even the best schools can struggle to stand out, but your strongest recruitment tools might already be close to home—in your building and neighborhood. In this session, learn proven techniques to engage your families and local community in a powerful, integrated student recruitment strategy. Participants will also receive a copy of the updated Enrollment Marketing Playbook from Bloomwell Group.

    Objectives:

    • Discover strategies for engaging families in enrollment marketing
    • Learn to build a comprehensive community outreach plan
    • Explore the most effective digital marketing tools for charter schools
    • Gain insights into key benchmarks and target costs for top recruitment tools

    Presenter Lyman Millard, founder of Bloomwell Group, brings decades of experience working with charter schools nationwide, helping them to thrive by leveraging community connections. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your recruitment efforts!

    View Webinar Info

  • Dec 10
    December 10, 2024 1:00 pm
    E-Rate Program Overview

    E-Rate is a federal program that helps schools cover costs for internet access, network equipment, and maintenance. Although a valuable resource, many schools find the E-Rate program complex and time-consuming. This webinar will provide a clear overview of E-Rate, covering eligibility, application steps (even for new schools), and insights into budgeting for Category 1 and Category 2 services. We’ll also walk through school requirements and setup in the E-Rate EPC portal. If you have questions or find the process intimidating, join us to hear expert guidance from Ben Sniecinski, President of E-Rate Advantage.

    View Webinar Info

  • Dec 12
    December 12, 2024 10:00 am
    Expanding Educational Opportunities: Insights from Step Up For Students

    Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by Keith Jacobs, Assistant Director of Provider Development at Step Up For Students, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families with access to personalized learning opportunities. Step Up For Students provides scholarships and educational resources to ensure every child has access to high-quality education tailored to their unique needs.

    View Webinar Info

  • Jan 28
    January 28, 2025 1:00 pm
    Strengthening Financial Capability

    Financial literacy is no longer optional—it’s a critical 21st-century survival skill. With traditional safety nets like pensions and guaranteed benefits fading, individuals must take greater responsibility for their financial futures. From student loan debt and rising housing costs to a shifting labor market, today’s challenges make financial education more vital than ever.

    This webinar will explore the evolving financial landscape and provide strategies to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to build financial resilience.

    In this session, you’ll learn:

    • Why financial literacy is essential in today’s economy.
    • The impact of student loan debt, housing costs, and shifting labor markets.
    • Practical steps to prioritize long-term financial goals amidst short-term pressures.

    Join us for an engaging session with Brett Burkey, Director of Education, as we unpack the skills and strategies necessary for financial well-being in a rapidly changing world.

    About the Presenter:

    Brett Burkey, Director of Education, brings a wealth of experience in financial literacy and education. He has dedicated his career to equipping individuals with the tools to navigate complex financial systems and achieve economic stability.

    View Webinar Info

Upcoming Events

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FCI Connect is the monthly newsletter from the Florida Charter Institute.  FCI’s mission is to serve as Florida’s premier hub for charter excellence and insight by providing research-based best practices, resources, and support. FCI is powered by Miami Dade College and authorized in Florida statute.  

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